Community and calendar briefs for July 4, 2014

Published: Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 10:31 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 10:31 p.m.

COMMUNITY

Third horse tests positive for infection

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County on Thursday announced that a horse located about a mile west of Ocala Springs Elementary School has tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis infection.

This is the third horse to test positive for the mosquito-borne virus in Marion County. Horses also tested positive on April 22 and May 31.

To help prevent mosquito bites, the department recommends a “drain and cover” approach, such as draining standing water from containers, covering the skin and repairing screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

For more information, visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Voter league hosting candidate forum on TV

The Marion County League of Women Voters has taped a televised candidate forum that will air at 7 p.m. on Fridays and 2 p.m. on Sundays during July on the Marion Education Channel. All local candidates in the Aug. 26 primary were invited to participate.

Candidates responded to questions; there was no debate or rebuttals.

The following races are included in the forum:

School Board District 3: Bobby James (incumbent), Jan Moerlie and Jim Touchton. Ed Wilson did not participate.

The seventh annual Dancing with the Doctors event will begin at 6 p.m. July 19 at the Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala.

The event includes a catered dinner, live dance performances, cash bar, silent auctions and an evening of dance. The cost is $125. Proceeds will benefit local Boys & Girls Clubs and the Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center.

For more information, visit www.dancingwiththedoctors.com.

Dinner and movie packages now available

For the next several weeks, the Marion Theatre and some restaurants in downtown Ocala will offer Dinner and a Movie for Two, a package featuring dinner at one of the participating restaurants and a movie at the Marion Theatre, both at discounted prices.

Package one: Dinner and a Movie for two for $32.

Package two: Dinner at La Cuisine, $19 per person. The $50 package has a value of $64 for a savings of $14.

To take advantage of this special, go to one of the participating restaurants between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. on a Friday and ask about the special. After the meal, bring the receipt to Marion Theatre for the 7 p.m. show. Showtimes are often between 7 and 7:45 p.m., and the special is for this showing only.

Check out www.feeldowntownocala.com each week to see participating restaurants.

Florida Horse Park summer events set

The Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority is hosting events for equine enthusiasts of all ages. The public is welcome to attend. The park is located at 11008 S. County Road 475, Ocala.

July 12: Mini drivers. Registration for Driving Schooling Days begins at 8 a.m. Cones will be set up on the Florida Horse Park cross county course so drivers can practice maneuvers. Entry is $35.

July 19 and 20: Partners of the Park schooling show. Dressage and jumping June 19; cross country June 20.

July 27: Hunter Trace Pace. Advanced registration $20, day of walk-ins $25. Classes include English Flat Pace with no obstacles, Western Flat Pace, Driver/Carriage Teams and English Hunter Pace with less than 20 jumps. Open to all ages.

For more information, contact Ellen Ettenger at events@flhorsepark.com.

CALENDAR

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: Patriotic party and fireworks, 5 to 9 p.m., Circle Square Commons Town Square, 8405 SW 80th St., On Top of the World, Ocala. Music, food and more. (854-3670 or www.circlesquarecommons.com)